Staying Connected
WELCOME HOME!
Join us this weekend for worship.
Saturday at 5:30 pm, Sunday at 9:00 am in the sanctuary, or
The service is also posted on our website


"And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them."
My Dearest St. Mary's Family,

As I prepare for my time away, visiting with my son in Charleston, I am reflecting upon this past year and all that we have come together to do and accomplish out in the community and beyond. I am deeply moved by your passion and spirit to go beyond our walls and engage in our broader community. If you haven't been engaged, you may not know the following. If you'd like to know more or be involved or have a ministry you are passionate about, reach out and I will support you in any way possible.

Together:

We engaged with St. Barnabas in a joint Bible Study and book study. We hope and plan to re-engage again for Advent and more.

We raised $1500.00 for CARA (Coalition Against Rape and Abuse)

We provided the community with Music and Entertainment with Thursday's on the Lawn

We provided approx. 100 Backpacks filled with school supplies to The Branches and several Schools throughout Middle Township and the Wildwoods

We engaged our Youth to pack the Backpacks

We supported The Branches in the continuation of their programs including Advocacy for mental health, addiction, and more... addressing food Insecurity, and shelter

We cleared out a Bay of the Thrift Shop to be given to The Branches to work with The Food Bank of NJ

We provided clothing and housing items through our Thrift Shop at low cost and no cost to those in need.

We participated in a Summer Celebration with children who live in Hotels (watching their faces light with joy ignited so many of our spirits as they played games, ate, and slid down water slides)

Many of our members are participating and networking across the Chamber of Commerce and the Woman's Civic Club.

We are Engaging in a shared music ministry with the United Methodist Church of Avalon and will be engaging in Ecumenical Services in the future.

We invited the Red Cross to Host a Blood Drive

We embraced an opportunity to speak and engage in the wider Cape May County Community as St. Mary's at the Bayside Bash fundraiser in support of The Branches.

We were present for community events, engaging in and building trust with local merchants and leaders

We were present for a Webinar on Reparations and there is further interest in learning more.

We are engaging in an October Food Drive

We are planning a Fall Family Festival on Halloween, which will include games, arts and crafts, face painting, music, candy, and more for our wider community.

We supported and attended the installation of Pastor Eloise at our neighboring Lutheran Church.

We continue to engage in conversation with churches and congregations on and off the island as to how to better engage and address the needs of the people of our county.

In this week's scripture, the Pharisees were trouble–makers. Their greatest pleasure was to question Jesus on legalistic issues. In Mark 10: 2–16, they tested Jesus on the question of divorce. Jesus granted that the law of Moses allowed for divorce, although this was not God’s desire for his people. God wants harmony and reconciliation between people, not discord and division.

The many of you, St. Mary's, who have been working hard for such harmony and reconciliation by the good works stated above, do not be distracted by the Pharisees who wish to test you. Continue forward. You are doing good, good work!

Later in the passage, children came to Jesus, but the disciples tried to chase them away. Jesus said, “Let them come.” This is what Jesus says to all those who wonder if they have any value or worth: “Let them come.” Let children come. Let divorced people come. Everyone is welcome. What God has given them — namely, Jesus — let none of us take away.

We have seen many new faces, some of whom travel quite a distance just to be with us every Sunday. Your hospitality and loving welcome has surely made them feel at home.

Once again, as I prepare to go and spend time with my family, I am comforted and lifted by your love and passion for St. Mary's, our community of Stone Harbor, our community in Rio Grande, and our wider Cape May County region.

There is much more to come and lots to look forward to.

God Bless,
Mo. Allison+
551-697-6133
If you would like a pastoral visit or a visit from one of our
Eucharistic Ministers, please contact Mo. Allison.
Blessing of the Animals
Invite a friend or two to join us for Worship and a Special Blessing
for the furry and not-so furry on the front lawn.
If your furry friends are unavailable for your journey, bring a picture.
And let the children know that all stuffed animals who are
their companions are also welcome!
Sunday, October 3rd at 9 AM.
Haitian Refugee Crisis Town Hall

Last evening the Bishop held a special Town Hall meeting on the Haitian Refugee Crisis in which Mo. Allison attended. If you are interested in serving on the Diocese of NJ Task Force, Please contact Mother Allison.

If you would like to learn more ways to assist in NJ please visit https://www.nj4haiti.org to donate or become a volunteer.
You are invited to join the Choir
St. Mary's choir is back!

Beginning this Sunday, October 3rd, we will enjoy their voices lifted together in song once again!
Welcome back and thank you for your dedication!

New members are welcome!
Rehearsals are held on Thursdays at 5 pm; a short rehearsal is held on Sundays at 8:30 am.
No experience is necessary, just a desire to praise the Lord in song.

Please Contact Kyle if you are interested: kshep2193@gmail.com 
Halloween Family Fun Day!
Lots of tricks and treats will be happening on St. Mary's front lawn on Halloween Day, October 31st, from 11:30 to 3:30 pm.
We're planning lawn games, face painting, arts & crafts, treats and more.

If you have a talent to share, a fun idea, or wish to help out,
let Mo. Allison know.
Let's help to Stamp Out Hunger
Food insecurity is on the rise and St. Mary's is stepping up to assist our neighbors in need. During the month of October, please bring Canned Goods, Easy Microwavable Meals, and Boxed Food Items to the church on Sunday, or you may leave your donations in the chapel at any time. The bounty will be blessed and sent to The Branches for distribution.
Opportunity for Stewardship:
Serve on the Altar Guild Team
St. Mary's Altar Guild is looking for new members!

The Altar Guild prepares the altar for Holy Eucharist and reverently cleans up the bread, wine, and Communion vessels after a service. If you like to work behind the scenes, enjoy working alongside others, then you will like being on the Altar Guild team. Training will be available. Contact Mo. Allison or Janice Haines.
Ways to contribute to St. Mary's
Your support of the mission and ministry of St. Mary's through your communal worship and financial support during these challenging times
is appreciated!

Ways to donate are:

  • The Sunday collection plate

  • Send a check payable to St. Mary's to:
St. Mary's Church,
9425 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
(Your envelope and number is not necessary, only your name.)

  • Setting up a personal online banking "bill pay" option. The bank will mail the check for you to the church office.

Mark your Calendars
Looking Forward...
October: Food Drive
October 3rd: 9:00 AM St. Francis Day Transferred/ Blessing of the Animals
October 4th - 17th (Mo. Allison is on Vacation)
October 7th - 5 pm Choir rehearsal
October 17th - Cyrus and Mary Mitchell Baptism, 95th St. Beach, 1 PM. (Mo. Allison will be back for this)
October 31st: Halloween Fun Day on the Lawn

November 7th : All Saints Sunday
November 14th: Thank You Reception/Coffee Hour
November 28th: Advent Begins ( Advent Study to be determined)

December 21st: Blue Christmas Service
December 24th: Christmas Eve

more to come...

CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR on our website for all activities taking place throughout the week.
Forward Day by Day
The August, September, October issue of Forward Day by Day, large and small print, is available in the church narthex.
Please help yourself to a copy.
If you would like a booklet sent to you, please let the church office know and we will be happy to mail one out to you!
Lectionary Text for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 22
Genesis 1:1-34
Prayer of St. Francis
Galatians 6:14-18
Matthew 11:25-30
Worship Services
Saturday 5:30 pm and Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church)
Sunday 9:00 AM Live on Facebook
Sunday 11:00 AM on St. Mary's website
Services, studies, and service bulletins may be accessed on our website: www.stmarysstoneharbor.org